The Westin Palo Alto

The Westin Palo Alto is the middle child of the three hotels that line El Camino Real across from Stanford. It is smaller than the Sheraton next door and much larger than The Clement on its other side. The hotel sits in a cluster of low, tile-roofed buildings arranged around courtyards. From the front door you can walk to the Palo Alto Caltrain station, the Stanford Shopping Center and the foot of Palm Drive. For campus visits, medical appointments and business at downtown offices, the location is hard to beat.

This profile is based on Marriott's official pages, the management company's site and the 2021 reopening announcement. We do not publish prices, star ratings or reviews. To see live rates, check Westin Palo Alto rates on Booking.com or book through Marriott.

Location

The hotel's address is 675 El Camino Real, in the block between the end of University Avenue and the Stanford Shopping Center. El Camino Real is the old main road of the Peninsula and it is busy at all hours. Stanford land begins on the other side of the road, so the view west is of trees rather than storefronts.

Three hotels share this short stretch. The Sheraton Palo Alto stands immediately north at 625 El Camino Real. The Clement, an all-inclusive suite hotel, sits just south at 711 El Camino Real. All three are managed by the same local company, Pacific Hotel Management, which is based in San Mateo.

Rough walking times from the Westin:

These are estimates, not measured routes. Stanford's free Marguerite shuttle runs from the transit center beside the station onto campus, which saves the longer walks. Check Stanford's transportation pages for current routes, since many run on weekdays only. Our guide to Stanford parking and transit explains the options.

Marriott lists the airports at about 17.1 miles to San Jose, 17.6 miles to San Francisco International and 28.3 miles to Oakland. The hotel does not run an airport shuttle. See getting to Palo Alto for train and road routes.

The 2021 reopening

The Westin spent about a year and a half under renovation, a period that overlapped with the pandemic. It reopened on September 1, 2021. The announcement from Pacific Hotel Management described 184 rooms and suites, a renovated lobby, front entrance and front desk, refreshed meeting space and an expanded fitness studio open 24 hours. The same release mentioned a new vegetable and herb garden planted in one of the courtyards for the kitchen.

The renovation kept the hotel's layout. Rooms sit in five Mediterranean-style buildings around landscaped courtyards, which gives the property a lower, quieter feel than a single tower would. Many rooms face a courtyard and some look toward the Stanford campus.

Rooms

Every room has the Westin Heavenly Bed, the brand's signature mattress and bedding. Marriott's listing mentions whirlpool tubs in some rooms and suites and outdoor terraces in some rooms. The management company's page lists an ergonomic desk and chair, an in-room safe and a 55-inch flat-panel television. Starbucks coffee is provided in rooms.

Room types range from standard kings and doubles to suites. Layouts and views vary a lot in a courtyard hotel, so a few points help when you book:

• Ask about the view. Courtyard-facing rooms are usually calmer than rooms closest to El Camino Real.
• Check the bath. If a whirlpool tub or a terrace matters, confirm that your room type includes it.
• Accessible rooms. Marriott lists accessible rooms, elevators and accessible pool entry. Call the hotel to confirm the exact features you need.
• Check-in and checkout. Marriott lists check-in at 3 p.m. and checkout at noon. Guests must be at least 18 to check in.

The whole property is smoke-free. Wi-Fi is free for Marriott Bonvoy members who book direct.

Café Soleil and the bar

The hotel's restaurant is Café Soleil, which serves California-style food. Marriott describes a breakfast buffet, grab-and-go items and specialty coffee in the morning, then a happy hour with drinks and bar bites later in the day. The Soleil Bar handles drinks and in-room dining is available. Hours change by season, so check the hotel's page before you count on a late dinner.

Most guests eat out at least some of the time. University Avenue and the downtown side streets are a 10 to 15 minute walk away, with dozens of restaurants. The Stanford Shopping Center, a short walk north, has its own restaurants and cafés. Start with our food and drink guide to plan meals.

Pool, fitness and services

• Pool. An outdoor heated pool with cabanas and couches, plus a whirlpool hot tub.
• Fitness. The WestinWORKOUT studio is free for guests and open around the clock. The management company mentions a Peloton bike and a TRX station.
• Gear lending. Westin's gear lending program offers recovery and strength training equipment from Hyperice and Bala.
• Meetings. The management company lists four meeting rooms plus a boardroom and pre-function space. The largest room is about 1,300 square feet and seats up to 75. For big conferences, the ballrooms at the Sheraton next door are larger.
• Pets. Marriott now says dogs up to 80 pounds stay without additional fees, up to three pets per room. Service animals are always welcome. Check with the hotel for anything else, or compare options in our pet-friendly hotels guide.
• Parking. On-site self parking is charged by the hour or day. Marriott lists electric car charging, subject to availability.

Amenities and policies change. Check Marriott's page for the hotel before you travel.

Westin or Sheraton?

Because the two hotels sit next to each other and share a management company, travelers often compare them directly. Both are Marriott brands and both earn Bonvoy points. The differences come down to size and mood.

Pick the Westin if you want a calmer stay and do not need big event space. Pick the Sheraton if your conference is there or you want more rooms to choose from on a busy weekend. If you would rather have meals and drinks included in one rate, The Clement is a few steps south.

Who should stay here

The Westin suits several kinds of trips well:

• Campus visits and admissions tours. Palm Drive and the Marguerite shuttle are close by.
• Medical visits. Stanford Hospital and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital are a short drive or shuttle ride away. Our guide to visiting Stanford Hospital covers parking and practical tips.
• Business trips. Downtown offices are walkable and Sand Hill Road is a short drive west.
• Travelers with dogs. The pet policy is more generous than at most downtown hotels.
• Car-free trips. Caltrain to San Francisco or San Jose leaves from the station a few minutes away.

It is a weaker fit for anyone who wants to step straight out onto a lively street. El Camino Real is a wide, busy road. The best restaurant blocks are a 10 to 15 minute walk away. If that matters most, compare the downtown hotels, which put University Avenue at your door.

Booking tips

1. Book early for commencement. Stanford's 2027 commencement weekend runs June 10 to 13. Rooms near campus sell out months ahead. Our commencement weekend guide has planning advice.
2. Watch football Saturdays. Home games fill hotels near campus in the fall.
3. Compare weekday and weekend nights. Business travel keeps Monday to Thursday busy. Weekends can be cheaper unless a campus event is on.
4. Count parking. Self parking adds to the nightly total if you drive.
5. Search the whole cluster. The Sheraton and Westin often have different availability on the same night. You can compare hotels near Stanford on Expedia to see both at once.

Frequently asked questions